The websites for the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota House of Representatives both include thorough information explaining the legalities of homeschooling in Minnesota. These sites provide access to basic fact sheets, reporting requirements, needed forms and information about state and school programs. In Minnesota, you must file a compulsory report form with your local school district in order to homeschool your child. Depending upon on the parents' educational level, additional reporting requirements may be required.
Minnesota has three primary homeschool organizations providing outreach, support and encouragement. The Minnesota Homeschoolers' Alliance (MHA) was formed in 1982 and strives to be inclusive of all homeschoolers, regardless of religious affiliation or homeschooling approach. The Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) began in 1983 with a focus of supporting Christian homeschooling families to instill Judeo-Christian principles while educating in the home. The Eclectic Community of Homeschooling Opportunities (ECHO) community is a homeschool organization that aids families in connecting with each other.
Homeschool conferences are held throughout the year in Minnesota. The annual MACHE conference is held each spring, the annual Catholic home education conference is held every summer in the Twin Cities and the MHA holds their annual conference every fall. Both the MACHE and the Catholic home education conference focus on Christian homeschoolers and support them in their quest to impart their faith and religious values through education. The MHA conference, like the organization, does not have a religious orientation. Curriculum fairs, workshops and speakers are highlights of all three conferences.
There are many opportunities for homeschooled children to participate in classes for additional academic enrichment. Throughout the state, homeschooling parents can find co-ops in which to participate. Co-ops provide an opportunity for groups of homeschooling families to come together for classes, field trips and support. Parents can find classes for homeschoolers in the sciences, languages, music, art, drama and physical education. Homeschool band and orchestra opportunities are also present in the Twin Cities.